Simpson Desert Crossing Apr/May 2013

[watty]

Hi all
April is going to roll up really quickly, so a couple of comments - It would be a good idea for all vehicles to have racv total cover. Desert parks passes (mandatory) are also available at Maree and Oodnadatta, but may cost a little more than on line.
The roads are sure to be cut up as 4WD Action is having a get together in Birdsville at Easter for its 200'th edition, so be prepared.
I'd like to have a get together some time in Feb. or March with all participants of this trip for a face to face discussion on what to expect on the trip and how I would like to conduct it.
So now we need to get serious --who's coming?
ME sierra and trailer hopefully (or move to the dark side and bring another vehicle)
Chris vitara and trailer
Mary & Lloyd 80 series cruiser
Who else and what vehicle?
Kerry

[christover1]

I'm still planning to come, if nothing goes wrong between now and then.
And I am happy to carry extra fuel if anyone has a smaller car and would like to come.
My dog is allowed to come now, as she is in training as a hearing dog,
but if you not happy with that, will try to find her a minder.

[Lloyd]

Yes Im in!Had a chat with Wattie yesterday,and as Mary and Robyn arnt going and maybe my 500k+cruiser may have some issues I will share with Wattie.So bring it on in April.

[watty]

G'day everyone
Where are all those people that showed interest in this trip? It would be a good idea if you let me know if you're still interested.
Proposed itinerary
1st night Sat. 27April all meet at caravan park Murrayville (Mallee Hwy west of Ouyen) approx 570k's from Melb. Night 2 Hawker SA 555k's Night 3 Coward Springs (Oodnadatta track)430k's 4 Algebuckina (big water off track)230k's 5-6 Dalhousie Springs 243k's 7-8-9 Camps in Desert 10-11 Birdsville 430k's 12 Innamincka 420k's 13 Tibooburra 430k's 14 Wentworth 610 k's from to Melb 610k's TOTAL K's 5200 As you can see we will have a full on trip with two full day breaks and two half day breaks,and arrive home Fri.10 May (one up our sleeves maybe) But the itinerary has to flexible to deal with situations that may arise.
At the moment participants are

Chris and hearing dog Vitara and trailer
Friends of mine - 1 family - 2 adults and 3 kids Pajero and trailer
Another friend of mine - 2 male adults Patrol ute
Lloyd and me Sierra and trailer.

What about the rest of you as there are only 2 vehicles from the club?

Regards, Kerry

[christover1]

I sent a private message a while back,pulling out of trip,
but now I am not sure you got it,
so have repeated it in here..

G'day Kerry,
I have to pull out of this years Simpson trip, sorry.
I won't be financial or healthy enough for a such huge trip.
It could be too risky on both accounts.
Car is ready, though tyres are a bit worn down, but I won't be up to it.
I need to concentrate on easier, smaller trips, until my health and wallet improves.
I didn't say anything in the topic, in case I put potential trip comers off.
The original few members interested that I knew of, are not ready yet.
Nobody new at Feb meeting put thier hands up.

Thank You kindly for the invite, much appreciated.
Sorry to not call, typing is a lot easier for me than hearing on phones.
Chris

[Brad.Jones]

I did express interest last year and would love to go on such a trip.
However I am in much the same position as Chris, financially speaking.
Just moved out of the exes place and signed a 12 month lease so even going on day trips at the moment requires some budgeting.

[jonfromhamilton]

only because you have to drive from Geelong

[Brad.Jones]

hahaha

[watty]

Hi to all members.
The trip's done and dusted. Because Lloyd and myself were the only Suzuki owners on the trip we decided to go to the dark side and went in comfort in a Hyundai Terracan. Left on Saturday 27/4 and arrive home on Saturday 11/5. First night Ouyen, then Peterborough SA, then up the Oodnadatta track to Dalhousie Springs, couple of nights there, then across the desert, 3 nights there, to Birdsville another couple of nights, ran short on time and came straight down the Birdsville Track via the inside track back to Marree, down to the Murray, across to Mildura and home. A neighbour, his wife and 3 kids came with us and took a new camper that he and I had just completed. (rolled out of the shed on Friday, loaded and headed off on Saturday morning) and went like a beauty, no problem at all. The only problem Lloyd and I had was 1 blown tyre (on a sealed road) and ripped off 1 rear mud flap (backed into a rock) to have a second attempt at a sand dune. The weather up north was unreal, daytime temperatures ranged between 32 and 39C, at night you left your sleeping bag unzipped. When I work out how to post photos, will do so. Kerry

[christover1]

Looking forward to the pix.
Be good inspiration to get ready for another chance one day.